Could Marcone have recruited another wizard?

[Mira]

Ummmm I wouldn't say he's on Marcone's payroll...  Pretty sure he's above Marcone's pay grade.

 Yeah, more of an "associate"  at times in the sense that they might work together occasionally..  However I seriously doubt that Vadderung is on anyone's payroll..

[peregrine]

Or contractor.  Marcone is very much not Vadderung's boss.  He may pay him for services rendered, but Vadderung always has the option of telling Marcone to go screw.  Hell, Marcone isn't even Gard's boss.  That's still Vadderung.

Basically the difference between working with and working for.

[Arjan]

Yeah, more of an "associate"  at times in the sense that they might work together occasionally..  However I seriously doubt that Vadderung is on anyone's payroll..

He is on Mab's payroll. As Kringle.